Texas Tailgating Truck Accident Lawyer

Texas Tailgating Truck Accident Attorney

Have You Been In a Truck Accident in Texas Caused by Tailgating?

When a vehicle follows too closely behind another, and an emergency situation arises requiring the vehicles to suddenly stop, it is common for the vehicles to collide. In some cases, following too closely causes multi-car pileups. When the vehicle that is following too closely is a large truck, the outcome can be disastrous. If this happens to you or a loved one, contact the attorneys at the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, an experienced Texas truck accident law firm.

Involved in a truck accident, call us today at (713) 535-7051.

Why Large Trucks Follow Too Closely

There are various reasons why truck driver’s tailgate the vehicle in front of them. Some of the most common reasons seen by our Texas truck accident law firm are listed below.

Lack of Consideration for Road Conditions

Truck drivers may assume that they are leaving enough room between them and the vehicle in front of them, when in reality additional space is needed due to the road conditions. For example, a wet road will add to the time that is needed to stop a large truck should an emergency situation arise. Also, a road in an area with a lot of hills should be approached with caution. While extra power may be needed while going up a hill, it certainly is not needed when coming down, and a truck driver can quickly find themselves unintentionally tailgating another vehicle.

Convoy Patterns

Truckers tend to travel in a convoy pattern with other truckers. While these may be a preferred method of travel, it can also be extremely unsafe. Should one of the truck drivers in the line of trucks err in their judgment, it could easily trigger a chain reaction pile-up.

Maintaining a Safe Distance Can Be Difficult

One reason that is often overlooked for why truckers tailgate is because it can sometimes be difficult to maintain a safe distance. This is especially true when traffic is very congested, and when traveling on roads through large cities. Even so, truckers are trained professionals and are aware of the dangers involved in their profession, and should take every precaution to prevent tailgating.

Reasons Large Trucks Following Too Closely Is Especially Dangerous

Large trucks, such as semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, are much larger and heavier than smaller motor vehicles. Their size means that they require a much greater distance to come to a complete stop, and their ability to crush anything that is in their path is significant. When a large truck collides with a smaller vehicle, it is safe to assume that the smaller vehicle, and its occupants, will fare much worse than the large truck and its driver.

The disparity in vehicle sizes and the need for extra room to come to a complete stop is known to all drivers of large trucks. They are required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) which mandates training above and beyond what is required for a normal driver’s license.

Jackknifing

Jackknifing is extremely dangerous. It occurs when a tractor-trailer starts to skid, and the trailer part of the truck swings in towards the tractor part of the truck. It ends up with the tractor and trailer being in a “V” shape. When a truck begins to jackknife, it is essential that the driver has plenty of room to stop. Slamming on brakes can accelerate the jackknifing.

How To Prevent A Large Truck From Following Too Closely

While it is impossible to control the actions of another driver, there are things that can be done to help prevent a large truck from following too closely. After all, keeping safe is the primary objective. An attorney with our Texas truck accident law firm offers the following advice:

Move Out of the Way

If you see a large truck coming up quickly behind you, or following too closely to your vehicle, switch lanes as soon as it is safe to do so. While the truck driver should never follow you that closely, it is best to remove yourself from in front of them as soon as you can. If they hit you, even if it is their fault, you could suffer extensive injuries.

Pay Attention to Blind Spots

Large trucks have significant blind spots. For example, a tractor-trailer has blind spots on all sides, and they are large. Many trucks even have stickers showing you where their blind spots are. Pay attention to those areas and do not hover in them. When the truck driver cannot see you, the likelihood of a collision greatly increases.

Be Wary of Hitting the Brakes

When you are being followed by a large truck, do not hit the brakes unless it is necessary. One mistake many drivers make is to quickly switch lanes, pulling directly in front of a large truck, and then quickly slowing down. Remember the amount of space needed to stop a large truck, and when it is necessary to slow down, do it as slowly as possible.

Do Not Drive Aggressively

Aggressive driving is dangerous driving, especially when you are sharing the road with a large truck. Give the truck driver plenty of berth, and do not switch lanes erratically. Also, when you do change lanes or are exiting the road, be sure to use your blinker.

Be Aware

Perhaps one of the best ways to prevent being tailgated is to pay attention to your surroundings while driving. Stay off the phone, and pay attention to other drivers.

Speak With an Attorney From a Texas Truck Accident Law Firm

If you have been in an accident caused by a truck following too closely behind another vehicle, or if you have lost a loved one in this type of accident, you need representation you can depend on. Contact the professionals at the Texas truck accident law firm, Merritt & Merritt. We are experienced in all types of personal injury cases, and we can help you recover the damages you are owed. You may reach us by calling (713) 535-7051 or via our contact page.